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Protected Natural Areas

Nor Yauyos Cochas Landscape Reserve

The Nor Yauyos Cochas Landscape Reserve (RPNYC) is located in the high and middle basin of the Cañete River and in the Cochas Pachacayo basin. A dreamlike destination in a natural high Andean setting with numerous waterfalls and formations created by the Cañete River, with areas of great landscape value, the reserve stretches over 221,268.48 hectares (546,765 acres) and a height range of between 2,500 and 5,700 meters (8,202 and 18,700 feet) above sea level.

The reserve, created on 1st May 2011, protects one of the most beautiful high Andean landscapes in Peru. The headwaters of the Cañete River form numerous waterfalls and mirror-like lagoons. In addition to unique landscapes, the reserve boasts typical Andean flora and fauna, including Andean foxes, vicuñas, Andean ducks, herons and queñua woods. The reserve is divided into two defined regions: the high basin of the Cañete River and the Pachacayo River basin, where rural communities live in harmony with the local ecosystems. The main tourism area is close to the towns of Vitis, Huancaya and Vilca, in the basin of the Cañete River, where there are hostels and camping areas. The reserve contains lagoons surrounded by totora trees, like Papacocha, and waterfalls like the Bosque de Amor, which provide perfect postcard settings. Huancaya is a quaint town with colonial bridges made of stone and lime, exclusively for pedestrian use. The beautiful staggered waterfalls of Cabracancha are also a traditional highlight.

Part of the Inca Trail which runs throughout Peru, passes through the Pachacayo River basin, where tourists can see the Apu Pariacaca mountain, considered a divinity in the pre-Hispanic era.

Climate: During the day, temperatures rise to over 20 °C (68° F) when its sunny, and descend to 10 °C (50° F) at night. The reserve is typically dry during the winter (May to September) and it rains during the whole summer (October to April), but more intensely between January and March. Tourists are encouraged to visit the reserve between May and November.

Access by Land: From Lima: the most frequently travelled route is the Panamericana Sur, up to Cañete (km 140), taking the road to Lunahuaná, and continuing on a road in good condition from Vitis to Huancaya (130 km (81 miles) approximately). As the roads are not completely paved, visitors are adviced to travel in a 4x4 vehicle.